Asia’s (no more) most expensive room in Beijing

Beijing is China’s second largest city in terms of population, after Shanghai and is recognized as the political, educational, and cultural center of the People’s Republic of China. Today, given Beijing’s size and status as one of the most frequently visited and economically, politically, and culturally important cities in Asia, a great number of hotels exist, many rivaling the highest international standards. But here’s a bit of twist to the story. A luxury hotel near Beijing that unveiled Asia’s most expensive room four months ago has dropped its prices after taking no bookings. A night in a luxury suite at the Pingxi Royal Mansion in the suburbs of Beijing officially costs 220 000 yuan ($28,000), although it had already offered discounts due to the lack of customers. “We can now give a 20 percent discount but customers need to make a booking in advance,” manager Guo said.

The 6 000m² hotel, richly decorated with fake imperial-style antiques, attempts to make its patrons feel royally special. The advertised room price is the most expensive in Asia, the Beijing Morning Post said, citing the China Hotel Association.